How to Make Moroccan Merguez Spice Mix

Merguez is a lamb- or beef-based sausage that is red in color and full of spices. Although of Tunisian and Algerian origin, spicy sausages are quite popular in Morocco. Some butchers boast their own signature merguez spice blend, while others prepare the sausages with a commercial mix instead. No matter how it is made, merguez is one of the most flavorful sausages you can find.

My local butcher's Spanish-made merguez blend contains glucose powder, which gives the sausage a notably sweet essence. I haven't included glucose powder in this recipe so feel free to add the optional sugar if you would like a sweet contrast in your own merguez spice mix.

Once the spices are combined, store the mixture in an airtight glass or plastic container for up to six months. Use it when following the Merguez Sausage Recipe, or try it as the seasoning for lamb or beef meatballs.

What You'll Need

1/4 cup sweet paprika

2 tablespoons fennel seeds (ground)

2 tablespoons cumin (ground)

1 tablespoon coriander seeds (ground)

2 tablespoons salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: 4 teaspoons powdered sugar

How to Make It

Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl.

Stir to combine.

Using a fine mesh strainer, sift once, then stir again.

Transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)

Calories

16

Total Fat

1 g

Saturated Fat

0 g

Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

Sodium

1,167 mg

Carbohydrates

3 g

Dietary Fiber

1 g

Protein

1 g

(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)

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